“The temple is remarkable for its cave, where sounds or stone impacts echo like the beating of a sacred drum, giving the site its name. Around the cave, stone-carved Buddha images and natural rock formations create a serene landscape. The temple also houses a museum displaying the personal belongings of Luang Pu Khao Analayo, along with a chedi and mondop enshrining his relics, making it both a sacred site and an important place of Buddhist heritage.”
Wat Tham Klong Phen is located at the foothills of Phu Phan Mountain in Non Than Subdistrict, Mueang District, Nong Bua Lamphu Province. Surrounded by lush forest and rocky terrain, the temple offers a calm and peaceful atmosphere, ideal for both meditation and cultural visits. Its name comes from Klong Phen Cave, which produces echoing sounds resembling a traditional drum whenever a stone is struck or voices are raised inside. This natural wonder has given the temple its unique identity and renown.
The temple is closely tied to the history of Luang Pu Khao Analayo, a highly revered monk in the Thai forest meditation tradition and a senior disciple of the great meditation master Luang Pu Mun Bhuridatta Thera. Luang Pu Khao once resided here, turning the temple into a spiritual center for monks and laypeople to practice meditation and learn the Dhamma. Over time, Wat Tham Klong Phen became a renowned forest monastery that draws devotees and visitors from across Thailand.
Inside the temple area, visitors will find ancient stone-carved Buddha images in meditation and reclining postures, harmoniously blending spirituality with nature. The surrounding stone gardens, naturally shaped over time, add to the temple’s serene and sacred atmosphere. A museum within the temple displays Luang Pu Khao’s personal monastic belongings, such as alms bowls, robes, and daily items, along with a lifelike wax figure of him, allowing devotees to reflect on his ascetic lifestyle and dedication to the Dhamma.
A chedi and mondop enshrining the relics of Luang Pu Khao stand as important landmarks for worship and reverence. Beyond being a place of devotion, the temple serves as a cultural and historical treasure, blending the beauty of nature, art, and Buddhist spirituality. Today, Wat Tham Klong Phen is considered one of the must-visit spiritual and cultural destinations in Nong Bua Lamphu.
How to Get There
- By private car: From downtown Nong Bua Lamphu, take Highway No. 210 (Nong Bua Lamphu–Udon Thani route) heading toward Udon Thani for about 13 km, then turn right and continue for another 2 km to reach Wat Tham Klong Phen.
- By public transport: Take a local bus from downtown Nong Bua Lamphu and connect with a songthaew or motorcycle taxi to the temple.
Travel Tips
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Wear modest and respectful clothing suitable for visiting a temple.
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Bring drinking water, as the area is surrounded by forest and can be warm at times.
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Wear comfortable shoes for walking on rocky and natural ground.
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Respect the temple’s rules and the sanctity of the site.
Admission Fee
- Free of charge
Opening Hours
- Open daily from 05:00 to 18:00